How We Stayed 60 nights under $60 at Fiesta Key Resort
A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog on our honest review of the Thousand Trails Cabin Pass, and today, I want to get into more detail about one specific resort included in the membership that we love: Fiesta Key Resort and Marina. This resort in the Florida Keys is located on Long Key, between Islamorada and Marathon, and we've stayed over 60 nights since joining the program in July of 2022.
Now, since we do a lot of RV travel in Florida and have a home base RV spot we're able to park at, we've been able to enjoy other forms of traveling out of our RV, and the cabin pass is a newer program we entirely took advantage of.
Here is everything you need to know about your Fiesta Key Resort and Marina stay. If we left anything out, please feel free to share it in the comments.
With the amount of times we've stayed at Fiesta Key resort, I'm confidant in sharing our expert knowledge on what the resort has to offer its guests. Also, all our visits have been through our Thousand Trails Cabin Pass, and we never paid the full price to stay.
(Click the link above and read about how it works and why it's worth the money )
Interested in Becoming a Thousand Trails Cabin Pass Member?
For more information about the Thousand Trails Cabin Membership, click here and fill out the Form. I’ve teamed up with Sharon and Warren Lewis to get you the best deal on cabin pass memberships.
Since 2022, we have been able to stay at Fiesta Key Resort for 60 nights, even though we had to be out of the system for 14 days between each stay. In addition to that, we have also stayed in a few other locations around Florida and other states with our cabin pass. This membership has been a great bargain for us. As I explained in my last post, we paid $1500 for the first year and $1600 for this year's membership.
I checked our account today, counted the total number of nights we have stayed since joining, and divided that number by what we have paid. I did not include our Vero Beach, Virginia, or Spring Hill stays.
When you calculate the cost per night and include our additional stays, it comes out to around $40 per night.
Let me break it down for you here:
Cost of the Thousand Trails/Encore Cabin Pass
First Year's Membership cost: $1500
Second Year's Membership Cost: $1600
Total nights stayed so far: 77 nights in 1.5 years of our membership.
Nightly Average: $40 a night
Helpful Tip: you can set up a payment plan or pay for your membership in full.
Back Porch View from your cabin at Fiesta Key
You can't find a hotel, Airbnb, or even an RV spot with amenities for the price we paid, so it's been an excellent deal for us. However, we anticipate that the cost will go up, and it will be harder to get reservations in the future as more people learn about the program and join.
Ammenties at Fiesta Key Resort
Whirlpool/Spa/Hot Tub
Fishing
Swimming Pool & Kids Pool (attached)
Creek / Lake / Canal / River / Ocean Frontage
Dog Friendly with small Dog Park next to the laundry
Restaurant
Store
Boat Docks/Marina
Boat Ramp
Waterfront sites
Trash Pick-up
Wifi Hotspot
Laundry Facilities
24-hour onsite security
Pickleball
Rec Center
children’s outdoor play area
Daily Activities
This resort offers a wide range of onsite activities that vary by season. Even during slower months, they still offer some activities, but from December to April, they have a full schedule of events. These events are free of charge and sometimes include food and drinks.
We attended a Valentine's Dinner in the rec hall during our last stay, during which we enjoyed music and delicious food. We also enjoyed the wine and cheese or champagne sunset events they host on Friday nights, weather permitting. Guests gather at Sunset Point to enjoy drinks, cheese, and live music. Last year, we watched a movie on the beach beside the restaurant under the stars.
The resort also has daily exercise classes on the events calendar. Some of the crafting classes may charge a small fee, and there's a weekly cornhole tournament that you can join for an entry fee of $10. Thursdays are usually designated for card Bingo, which also costs a small fee to join, and we had a blast playing and meeting other guests. The winner takes home the cash pot, but we've never been lucky enough to win.
Activities for Kids
If you are on vacation with your children, I talked to George, the activities director, who gave me some useful information about children's events. According to George, they organize craft activities for children during Christmas and Easter, but most are for adults until summer when they switch to kids' crafts. They make various items, such as backpacks for school, sand art, kites, and jewelry. During holidays, their craft activities are tailored to the specific holiday.
In the winter months, most of the guests are retired and traveling without kids, which would probably explain the lack of children's activities during that time. For more ideas on what to do with kids in the nearby, you can read another blog post of our about Best Activities for Kids and Families in the Florida Keys-Marathon/Islamorada
Fiesta Key Resort is located between two popular tourist destinations, Marathon and Islamorda. We often take trips to our favorite town, Islamorada during our visits. There are a ton of restaurants and things to do for all ages. You can read more about our favorite places in Islamorada on this blog @ A PERFECT DAY IN ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA &
Places worth checking out (within 5 miles of resort)
Lick it BBQ & Wood Fire Pizza 4.8 miles- the food and the view are great here.
Long Key State Park-3.1 miles-great state park with designated swimming areas and hiking.
The Channel 5 Bridge-2.1 miles-This popular spot for fishing. Enthusiasts offer fishing platforms and parking facilities.
Anne's Beach 3.8 miles—This small beach in Islamorada is free and open to the public. It has a paved parking area, a boardwalk, covered picnic tables, and public restrooms.
Do you want to Find out the latest Florida Keys Happenings New?
Join our Florida Keys Happenings Facebook page. The group is dedicated to the many wonderful food offerings and activities in the Florida Keys. We’re sharing the best happy hours, water views, events, and love for Island Life.
Click here to join: Florida Keys Happy Hour and Happenings
Cabins/Hotel and RV Spots
We have been lucky to book cabins this year, whereas last year, we mostly stayed in hotels. We are in cabin 139 this time and wanted to give you a sneak peek into what it's like staying inside, what we like, and what we think could be improved. The cabins are small but cozy, with a full kitchen (no dishwasher). There's one bathroom, one main bedroom with a queen-sized bed, and an upstairs loft with two twin beds. Additionally, the living room couch is a sleeper sofa.
All of the tiny homes overlook the water and have a front porch. They come with linens, utensils, dishes, glassware, and pots and pans. However, I always bring my sharp knife and sometimes my pan or pot if I have the space. The items they provide are worn out and aren't non-stick anymore, so I bring my own for convenience. There is a griddle cooktop located on top of the gas range, but it is in poor shape due to guests not using the proper utensilson it. We set up a small electric grill on the porch and have even brought our air fryer in the past.
A large TV is in the living area, and a smaller one is in the main bedroom. However, a strong internet connection is required for streaming, and cable TV is not provided. The cabins get a lot of use and could benefit from some updates, but it is a non-issue for the price. The bed in the master bedroom is quite firm, and the loft beds are a more comfortable option. There are two air conditioning units, one in the master bedroom and one high up in the living room, both of which can be controlled remotely.
A ceiling fan is also available in the master bedroom. The bathroom contains plenty of towels beneath the sink, and if you require anything else, you may contact the front office.
For your morning coffee needs, a Keurig one-cup coffee maker is provided in the cabins and hotels, and they include a few pods. Individual pods are sold in the marina store for $1.00 each, and coffee is complimentary from 7 to 11 a.m. in the store.
In addition to household items, the cabins also come with a blow dryer, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, bedding and linens, an iron ironing board, a broom, and a dustpan.
Here are some helpful items you should bring or purchase at the Marina Store upon arrival that you won’t find in the units.
Extra Trash Bags
Paper Plates, napkins, and paper towels.
Water
Spices/condiments
Happy Hour and Special Events
Ocean's 305 is the onsite restaurant at Fiesta Key. They serve a variety of dishes including seafood, steak, burgers, and more. The restaurant offers a daily happy hour from 4–6 pm, where you can enjoy specialty drinks and appetizers for only $6 each.
Also, they have live entertainment daily, which ranges from karaoke to live bands. On our last visit, we even saw an Elvis impersonator. The restaurant's entertainment schedule is separate from the events calendar given at check-in. Ocean's 305 has their entertainment schedule displayed on the side of their building as you approach the restaurant. Also, the menu items are a little pricey, but you're paying for the convenience of not having to leave. We recommend the grouper sandwich!
Pool/hot tubs and beach area
The pool and hot tubs close at dusk.
There is also a beach area below and to the right of the pool with a designated swim area roped off, complete with stairs and railings to help you get in and out of the ocean. Please note that they do not provide lifeguards. The rules state that it is the guests' responsibility to keep watch of their children. Although they have a pool monitor to ensure everyone's safety, they are not lifeguards.
When it gets too hot, we prefer laying out in the beach chairs and taking a dip in the ocean. Occasionally, I indulge in a Pina Colada to enjoy poolside since the onsite restaurant and tiki bar are just steps away from the beach area.
In front of the pool, you can find the restrooms, and to the left of the pool, they have a few picnic tables and three hammocks overlooking the marina.
Marina and Store
During our visit, we weren't initially provided with any information about the Marina or the Store and their operating hours in our paperwork. However, we found out that the onsite store closes at 6 pm. If you need anything for your visit, you can find it at the camp store. They offer beverages, snacks, alcoholic beverages, clothing, propane, bait, ice, RV supplies, fishing items, and a few cold grocery items. They even sell gas for your boat and live shrimp.
With the Marina Store and the restaurant, you may find that you have no reason to leave the property. That's another reason why this RV resort is our favorite among the competition in the Florida Keys.
bring your boat or other toys
If you're planning a fishing trip, the Marina provides everything you need, including ice, bait, and supplies. Additionally, if you're bringing a motorized vessel, the Marina offers marine fuel, but keep in mind that storage space is limited and comes at a cost. Dry Boat storage costs $2.50 per foot, whereas a slip costs $4.50 a ft. per day.
I noticed that paddle board rentals are now available at the Marina. You can find instructions on how to rent the paddle boards in your welcome packet, and there's a kiosk next to the Marina for self-service. However, it's important to note that paddle boards are the only water sports equipment available for rent directly at Fiesta Key. If you want to bring kayaks or other water sports items, you must get them independently.
A local fishing charter service is now available to book out of the resort. They have a large banner near the Marina with the contact info if you want the convenience of going out of the resort, which is another perk we like.
There is a kayak launch near the entrance, and you can leave your kayak on a stand there at your own risk.
golf cart rentals
During my recent trip, I discovered that you can rent golf carts from a third-party provider called Hot Rod Golf Carts, located inside of Fiesta Key. Although I don't know the exact rental cost, this is a great perk that the resort offers. Renting a golf cart can be a convenient and efficient way to move around the resort, especially if you need to do laundry or want to cruise around. On special occasions, they hold golf cart parades where people decorate their carts and ride around the resort together. Also, there is no extra fee if you bring your own golf cart.
Fiesta Key Resort Site Map
Laundry
The laundry facility is near the resort's front, next to the dog park. It accepts only credit or debit cards. The facility has ample machines that are all in working order. Additionally, there is a long sorting/folding table and some indoor seating. You can purchase laundry supplies at the onsite store.
Trash service
There is no need to load up your trash and haul it down to the dumpster like most Thousand Trails locations. Fiesta Key has a daily trash pickup service, and the times and instructions are in the welcome packet they provide at check-in.
Pet Policy
Only service animals are allowed in the vacation rentals, but pets are allowed at RV spots and around the resort as long as they are kept on a leash at all times. Fiesta Key has a designated area for dogs near the laundry room, and we see many visitors with dogs. I've even seen someone walking their cat.
Check-in/Out Procedures and protocol
You must check in with the security guard when you arrive at the park. will take some information from you and direct you to the office. You will sign paperwork at the office, receive your car hang tags, and sign any necessary documents. This entire process usually takes about five minutes. If you are coming in your RV, an escort will guide you to your designated spot and assist you in parking. Check-in for the cabins or any lodging other than RV sites is at 4 pm, and check-out is by 11 am. Check-in for the RVers is at noon, and check-out by 11 am.
When it's time to check out, all you need to do is follow the instructions provided in your information packet. There's no need to stop and see anyone. Most Thousand Trails and Encore parks have a guard shack; however, many of them are often empty and lack full-time security. We have always felt safe in the Florida Keys, but we appreciate the park monitors who enforce rules such as quiet time at night. This feature is essential to us, as some campgrounds can feel like the Wild West. We have no problem taking the time to check in and register our vehicles.
To get a detailed overview of the thousand trails pass please refer to your post Thousand Trails Cabin Pass-honest review and complaints-2024
until next time
We still have a few days left at the resort and we are eagerly looking forward to renewing our pass and coming back later this year. We hope that you found our guide useful and informative in getting an idea about what Fiesta Key Resort has to offer. Have a great trip in the Florida Keys!